For families of children who were not quite old enough to attend kindergarten when the 2008-09 school year began, a few openings still exist in the New Haven Unified School District's mid-year, full-day kindergarten program that starts in January.

"One of the things that impresses me most about New Haven is that it's a forward-thinking district that's always seeking better ways to serve our children, and mid-year kindergarten is a wonderful example," said new Superintendent Kari McVeigh, who joined the District on Dec. 1. "It's exciting to be able to offer families an opportunity to enroll their children in a quality program that will give them a solid foundation when they start regular kindergarten classes in 2009."

To be enrolled in regular kindergarten in 2008-09, a child must have turned 5 years old on or before December 2. For children who have turned 5 since December 3, or who will turn 5 before March 20, the District will offer the mid-year kindergarten program beginning January 26 and continuing through June 11.

Class will begin at 8:00 a.m. each day and be dismissed at 2:05 p.m. The program will be offered only at the Cabello Student Support Center, 4500 Cabello St. There will be no charge, but parents will be responsible for transportation.

Enrollment in the mid-year kindergarten program is limited, with first priority going to children whose families reside within New Haven and who have turned 5 or will turn 5 before the first day of the program. Subsequent priority also will be determined by age. If space still is available after District families have been accommodated, enrollment will be extended to children whose families live outside the District.

Enrollment packets are available at the Cabello Student Support Center. Parents can enroll their children by calling 489-4141, ext. 200, to make an appointment at the Centralized Enrollment Center, also located at the Cabello Student Support Center.